Senior People

People can experience loneliness at any point in their lives, but as people age, the risk factors that could cause loneliness start to rise and come together, making older people more susceptible to chronic loneliness. Additionally, 80,000 elderly persons in Northern Ireland live alone, which puts them at higher risk of loneliness.

Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation

As people age, their social networks may change due to retirement, bereavement, mobility challenges, or family moving away. Loneliness is the emotional response to this loss of meaningful connection. Social isolation refers to an objective lack of social contact, which can increase the risk of loneliness and impact overall health and wellbeing. Both are significant public health issues, particularly among older populations.

One in three people in Northern Ireland feel they are lonelier than not.

Why It Happens

Some of the factors that may contribute to loneliness and social isolation in later life include:

Loss of a spouse, family member or close friends
Long-term health conditions or mobility issues
Lack of accessible transport or digital connectivity. Particularly in rural areas.
Reduced participation in community or recreational activities
Feeling disconnected from changing family dynamics or societal shifts

Impact on Wellbeing

Prolonged loneliness and isolation can have a serious impact on physical and mental health. This includes:

Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Higher rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke
Poorer sleep quality and cognitive decline
Reduced resilience and quality of life

These effects highlight the importance of recognising and addressing loneliness as part of holistic care for older adults.

Accessing Support

There are many ways older people - and those who support them - can take action:

Contact local befriending or companionship services such as Age UK, The Samaritans, or community-led initiatives
Attend local social groups, activity sessions or volunteering opportunities
Speak to a GP or healthcare professional if loneliness is affecting mental or physical health
Use digital inclusion services to help build confidence with technology and online communication

Resources and Support

There are things you can do to help protect yourself or a loved one from the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation, this includes; taking advantage of every opportunity to smile or striking up a conversation, asking friends over for tea, talking on the phone with a friend or family member, getting out and about by visiting people and participating in community events are some ways older adults can help themselves feel less lonely. There are a lot of other useful suggestions for reducing loneliness here

If you are concerned about your own wellbeing or that of someone you know, don’t hesitate to reach out. Local authorities, voluntary organisations, and health and care services are working together to reduce loneliness and improve connection across communities. Click here to download our contacts

Also, refer to this link - Loneliness and social isolation | Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland